DC Studios co-head James Gunn addresses online criticism regarding Superman's expression during a flight sequence in a recently released TV spot.
A new 30-second promotional video showcased two previously unseen scenes: Lex Luthor exiting a helicopter in a snowy environment, possibly near the Fortress of Solitude, and Superman performing a barrel roll during high-speed flight over an icy landscape.
The video sparked online discussion, with some viewers commenting on Superman's seemingly unnatural facial stillness while his hair and cape moved dynamically in the wind. Speculation ranged from poor CGI to other technical issues. However, Gunn clarified on Threads that no CGI was used on Corenswet's face in that particular shot. He attributed the appearance to the close-up use of a wide-angle lens. The background, filmed in Svalbard, Norway, is entirely real, as is Corenswet's performance.
The debate continues, with some comparing the shot to similar scenes in Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Despite the controversy surrounding this brief clip, anticipation for the Superman film remains high. The film, launching the DCU's "Chapter One: Gods and Monsters," is slated for release on July 11, 2025. Related articles cover the DC heroes and villains in the trailer, Gunn's comments on Krypto's personality, the film's thematic focus on hope, and more.